Gartner's Hype Cycle For 3-D Printing, 2015: Medical Products Driving Market Growth

Medical products are leading some of the most significant new developments in 3-D printing technology. Gartner predicts that 3D-printed hip and knee replacements, as well as other common internal and external medical devices, will be in mainstream use within two to five years. 3-D printing hip and knee implants is a potentially large, profitable and growing market. The Orthopedic Industry Annual Report, 2014 found that global joint replacement product sales exceeded $14.9 billion in 2013. Prototyping continues to mature quickly according to the Hype Cycle, indicating that 3-D printers in this area will continue to see widespread adoption.